Solar Energy
Solar systems can heat water or convert sunlight into electricity. MGE owns and operates several solar systems to study their economic benefits and technical performance. We are learning how to serve our customers with clean energy from the sun.
If you want to invest in solar
- Improve your energy efficiency first to minimize your electric needs. It costs less and pays back faster than renewable energy systems. Visit saving energy for more information.
- Contact Focus on Energy at 1-800-762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com for consultations, site assessments, Cash-Back Rewards and financial incentives.
- Substantial federal tax credits are also available for qualifying solar installations. See details at ENERGY STAR®.
- Receive MGE credit for the power you generate.
- Investing in MGE's Green Power Tomorrow is more affordable than owning your own system.
MGE solar projects
MGE owns, operates, monitors or helps maintain the following solar projects.
- Aldo Leopold Nature Center (live data)
- Bike Path Lighting
- City of Madison Fire Station No. 7 (live data)
- Dane County Arena
- Dane County Henry Vilas Zoo
- Goodman Pool
- Lussier Family Heritage Center (live data)
- Madison Children's Museum (live data)
- Olbrich Gardens Solar Flair (live data)
- Society of Friends Meeting House
- Portable Solar Energy Exhibit
- Solar in Schools (live data)
- Solar Parking Canopy (live data)
- State Capitol (live data)
- Thut Park Lighting
- UW-Madison Arboretum McKay Center Addition (live data)
What we've learned
- Dual-axis tracking systems increase electricity production.
- Panels at a 25-degree angle produce more power.
- Snow can help or hurt performance.
- Monitoring can identify problems.
Solar curriculum
MGE worked with teachers, school district staff and Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program staff to create a curriculum to expand the learning from our solar installations on area schools. We invite teachers to use this curriculum.
Solar links
American Solar Energy Society
Database of Incentives for Solar
DOE Kids Page
DOE National Center for Photovoltaics
DOE Photovoltaics Program
EIA Energy Kid's Page
Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program
Solar Electric Power Association
UW-Madison's Solar Energy Laboratory
